Cognitive Load Theory And Instructional Design

Understanding the basics of the Cognitive Load Theory and applying them to your instructional design is an absolute must, particularly if you want your learners to get the most out of the eLearning course you are creating. This guide will offer you a detailed look at Cognitive Load Theory, including how it can be applied in learning settings. Check the Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Design article and presentation to find more.

One of the most important aspects of any eLearning course design is to insure that the information being offered is not only understood by the learner, but that they are also able to retain that information for future use. As such, a successful instructional designer must always be aware of the learning techniques being utilized, the amount of data included, and the structure in which the knowledge has been distilled and then dispersed.For this very reason, understanding the basics of the Cognitive Load Theory and applying them to your instructional design is an absolute must, particularly if you want your learners to get the most out of the eLearning course you are creating. This guide will offer you a detailed look at Cognitive Load Theory, including how it can be applied in learning settings.

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

Cognitive Load Theory suggests that learners can absorb and retain information effectively only if it is provided in such a way that it does not “overload” their mental capacity. In other words, our short term memory, or working memory, can only retain a certain amount of information simultaneously (rather than an infinite supply of data). The more information that is delivered at once, the more likely that the students will not actually learn what is being taught nor will they be able to call upon that information for later use.The Cognitive Load Theory states that each person has a mental “schema”, which is a series of structures that enable us to solve problems and think (for more info check Instructional Design Models and Theories: Schema Theory). It also allows us to look at several different elements within a lesson or experience and treat those elements as just one whole element. In other words, it is what forms our knowledge base. According to this theory, there is a key distinction between an apprentice and a master, which is the fact that the apprentice has not built up or developed the schema that the master has.

What are the Guidelines for Cognitive Load Theory in Relation to eLearning?

The Cognitive Load Theory adheres to the following principles, all of which should be kept in mind when designing an eLearning course:

You can reduce the amount of load that is being placed upon the learners’ working memory by integrating the various sources of information, rather than giving them the various sources individually.

In tasks or lessons that require problem solving skills, avoid using activities that require a “means-ends” approach, as this will place a load upon the working memory. Instead, use goal-free problems or examples to illustrate the point.

Reduce the amount of redundancy in eLearning course design in order to reduce the amount of unnecessary repetition-induced load that is put upon the working memory.

Use visual and auditory instruction techniques to increase the learners’ short term memory capacity, particularly in situations where both types of instruction are required.

What are the Types of Cognitive Load?

There are three types of cognitive load that directly pertain to eLearning scenarios:

IntrinsicThis is the complexity that is inherently involved in certain tasks or materials. Simply put, some activities are harder to learn and to master than others. If they are more difficult, then they have the potential to cause an intrinsic cognitive overload.

ExtraneousThis form of cognitive load consists of non-relevant, unimportant elements, such as activities or instructional materials that make the learners use their mental processes. For example, if you use a graph that requires extra information processing, but isn't really necessary, this would be an example of extraneous cognitive overload.

GermaneThese elements enable the learners to devote their cognitive mental resources to the learning process and help to facilitate the development of a learner's knowledge base.

How Can the Cognitive Load Theory Be Applied in Learning Settings?

In order for real learning to take place, a learner's schematic structure must be altered, according to the Cognitive Load Theory. If this occurs, learners will actually be able to grasp the information that is being provided, process it within their short term (working) memory, and finally commit it to long term memory. In this case, they will be able to build upon previously learned information, so that they can expand their knowledge base (I highly encourage you to read the Memory: Types, Facts, and Myths article).

However, if cognitive overload takes place, then learners will be more likely to make errors, not fully engage with the subject materials, and provide poor effort overall. The change in the schematic structures and pathways will not occur, simply because the learner cannot process the information being offered within the lesson.Therefore, from an instructional design point of view, eLearning courses should be created in such a way that reduces the cognitive load that is placed upon the learners. This will give the learners the opportunity to process what is being taught effectively and more easily.

3 Tips To Reduce Cognitive Overload In You eLearning Course Design

Here are some tips of how you can reduce cognitive overload in your eLearning course design:

Keep it simpleRemove all content that isn't absolutely necessary for the learning process. For example, if you are designing a slide show to provide information, try to reduce the amount of extraneous graphics you use throughout.

Use different instructional techniquesPresent information in different ways. For instance, offer some data verbally and other data visually, such as through images or graphs. This will allow the learner to absorb information using different processing methods, which will reduce cognitive overload.

Make learning “bite sized”Divide content up into smaller lessons and encourage them to only move forward with the course when they have fully grasped the current material. This will insure that they do not overload their working memory and can effectively move the information to their long term memory.

I highly encourage you to read the 5 Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in eLearning as well.To conclude, if you want to design eLearning courses that are the most effective and beneficial for your students or employees, then you must keep in mind that there are certain cognitive load limits. Overwhelming their mental pathways and structures will only lead to errors and a lack of comprehension, which is a successful Instructional designers’ worst nightmare in every respect.

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In this article I will share 7 Instructional Design tips for creating effective eLearning courses, so that you will be able to impress your target audience almost instantly, regardless of your eLearning design experience.

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